“Wake up. Wake up!”

Isadora Shelton shielded her eyes from the white light that was threatening to blind her. She looked up into the bright eyes of a pert blond woman.

“Don’t do much air travel, huh? You shouldn’t have fallen asleep by yourself. It would have been easier to take the sedative provided by the flight attendants. Then they could give you the shot to boost your adrenaline and you’d be right as rain. As it is you’re going to have trouble finding your sea legs before the party starts.”

Izzy sat up, felt her head swim to the other side of the room, and lay back down. The blond rambled about the party and how much fun it was going to be.

Party? What party? Izzy glanced around the room and tried to focus, tried to remember where she was. Then it hit her like a ton of bricks. For the first time in her twenty-nine years of life she wasn’t on Earth. She was on a transport ship hurtling toward the Costas galaxy to serve guests at a weekend house party hosted by Aidan Giles, famous throughout the universe for being one of the richest men alive, and for being the ultimate playboy.

Of course she wasn’t going to the party to serve drinks. She was to find a criminal, someone who was supposed to be one of Giles’ guests. She’d told her boss, Desmond Willis, that taking a job with Giles was the only way for her to get to their target. He’d be reluctant to agree with her at first, but then had decided that yes, she could be right.

Desmond had a contact, Michelle, within the agency that was supplying workers for the weeklong party. They’d put her on the list as a last minute substitution. Izzy had stood in the corner, out of the way of the cameras as Michelle had gone over the list of workers with someone on Giles’s staff.

She’d been afraid they would kick her off, since she was a new addition. When her name had been spoken there had been a slight pause, and then the woman had just nodded. That had been one hurdle crossed.

Who knew space travel would be the second one? She’d never been off-planet, so she didn’t know the trip would hit her like this, that she’d forget where she was and what she was doing. This was the biggest job of her life. Her watch said it was three p.m. They’d left Earth at ten a.m. They would arrive at Giles’ playhouse on Weaton II in another hour and a half.

“Here. Sit up and put on your uniform. The longer you lie there the worse you’re going to feel.”

Izzy forced herself into a sitting position. She picked up the skimpy piece of material the girl had thrown at her and frowned.

“What is this, um…?” Izzy shot an apologetic look at the woman.

“Sylvia, my name’s Sylvia. We met earlier you know. And that’s the costume for the party. All the wait staff will be wearing them.”

Breath went into her nose and stopped. Izzy fought to force it into her lungs.

“You’re kidding, right?” She looked at the petite blond. The woman’s figure perfectly displayed the outfit. A leather bustier hugged her stomach and ended under her breasts, lifting the already impressive orbs for everyone to see. The soft white blouse worn under the bustier was see-through and off the shoulder. Lace surrounded the woman’s shoulders. The shirt displayed Sylvia’s breasts to perfection. The lower part of the costume wasn’t much better, barely hiding what it should have.

“I was told this was a weekend business party, with a cocktail and dinner events thrown in. They want us to wear these skimpy outfits because…what?”

Izzy culled through her memories. What had she and Desmond agreed upon? Oh yes, she could act like she was going to work, and then she would slip away and search Giles’s office. The man was notorious for checking out his guests.

She would search through the files and find out who had interests in the mining projects on Crokes II. The project that had already destroyed two stars in the system.

Scientists called the destruction “atmospheric phenomenon.” All except one scientist, Dr. Stephen Brackus had come to Izzy and told her about the mining project. He’d said the project was responsible for the explosions and unless it was stopped the destruction would continue. He’d hired Izzy’s detective firm to find out who was responsible, since interplanetary agencies wouldn’t help him.

Izzy had traced the mining project to Aidan Giles. Well, not really traced them to him, she supposed. Someone in his organization had been making inquiries about them, though. And he was her only lead. And what a lead he was, she thought, her memories of the information she’d gathered on the famous playboy coming back to the forefront of her mind. Mr. Aidan Walter Giles: thirty-six years old, born May 12, 2989 in Sydney, Australia; six foot two; two hundred and five pounds; black hair; green eyes; unmarried; no children; and very protective of his privacy. And he had boatloads of money.

He’d refused Izzy’s request for an interview, sending her a note that only said he had nothing to do with the mining project and that, regardless, he didn’t talk to detectives, no matter their reputations.

And Izzy’s reputation was stellar. She’d helped solve the bank thefts on Mars, and she’d flushed out the thief who was selling places on a moon shuttle to people who never suspected they were being duped. She’d help put him out of business, and recover the people’s money.

In all her work, though, she’d never had to wear an outfit that made her look like a hooker on Hollywood Blvd. She gave Sylvia the once over. On the blond’s skinny body the outfit looked sexy. On Izzy’s size sixteen frame the costume would be outrageous. Her large breasts and curvy hips would be on prominent display.

“No way. Forget it.”

Sylvia stared at Izzy. “Fine. Don’t wear it. Stay on the ship. It’s just more tips for me.”

She flounced out of the room and Izzy sighed. Her head had finally settled into its rightful place on her shoulders. If she stayed on the ship she’d never get the chance to search Giles’s office. And the asshole with the illegal mining would get away with it, would destroy more stars, and hurt more people. She couldn’t allow that to happen. This was the biggest job of her career and she wouldn’t give it up just because she didn’t want to display her nipples for a roomful of people.

Izzy stood up, gulped down her nerves and unbuttoned her blouse.

*****

“She’s the brunette over there by the door. The one that’s been hugging her tray to her chest since she walked in the door.”

Aidan Giles grinned and raised his head enough to eye the woman Thomas McNamara, his chief aide, had pointed out. He raised his eyebrows in admiration as she dropped her tray down to her stomach, and then lifted it back up to shield her mostly naked breasts.

“Impressive. And real.”

Thomas laughed. “Her dossier says she doesn’t have a steady boyfriend, or girlfriend.”

“Is she gay?” Aidan shook his head. If she were gay his plans for the weekend were ruined.

“No, I just thought I’d throw that in to shake you up.”

Aidan laughed and took the proffered papers and examined the writing. Isadora Marie Lane, twenty-nine, daughter of the famous detective team of Steve and Maxine Lane. Born in New York City on Feb. 9, 2996. Graduate of the Lane School of Detection with honors. Youngest detective ever hired by Galaxy Times. Winner of numerous awards. She lived in New York with her cats, Nick and Nora. Her last serious relationship was with one Nicholas McGee, age thirty-one, a reporter.

“If she is the Lane’s daughter, why is her name Shelton? She’s never been married, right.”

“Right. But she took her mother’s maiden name when she graduated. She didn’t want to get her job for her name’s sake.”

“Good for her.” Aidan studied the woman again. “Tell me again why we agreed to this plan.”

“She has information on the Crokes II projects, and we want to see what she knows. She thinks she’s working as a waitress for the weekend. We know what she really wants is to search your files for information.”

“Good. Give it two hours. Then tell Bruno to abandon his post and leave the office door unguarded. I’ll take it from there.”

Thomas nodded. “There is nothing in this woman’s background to indicate that she’d be open to working with you, to giving you information just because you want it.”

“Oh there are ways of getting information, Thomas. And I can get her to work with me, trust me. If you don’t think so then you’re losing your faith in me, which is disturbing.”

The men laughed and Aidan’s pulse increased as he watched Isadora walk to the bar and load her tray with drinks. She really was a beautiful woman. He hadn’t expected that.

He’d had Thomas investigate her after he’d realized she’s slipped onto the wait staff. She might think herself smart enough to get past his security but he would show her differently. She wasn’t the only one interested in the mining projects on Crokes II. He’d lost millions of dollars when the second explosion happened, the effects of it taking out one of his jewelry factories on Crokes III.

The government’s idea of “natural” causes for the explosions made him laugh. He knew better. He’d done some investigation and been unable to find out who was responsible. But he had found a few leads. And those three leads, Jesse McCarthy, Jonathan Hale and Mark Titus were here for the weekend.

Before the house party was over he would know who was responsible for the mining projects and subsequent blasts. Ms. Shelton would help him with that.

And he’d make sure to punish her for effective breaking into his party without his permission. A nice hard spanking would do the trick. Well, maybe more than one spanking.

After all, she would be here for the weekend. And trying to use him the way she was definitely warranted more than one spanking.

*****

Nothing. She couldn’t believe it. An hour of searching and she had nothing. No papers that mentioned the mining operation or Crokes II.

Izzy slammed the filing cabinet door and angrily shook her head. Getting into the office had been so easy. The party was very crowded two hours into the celebration the guard on what she was sure was the office door, just down from the kitchen, had looked around as if to gauge if he would be missed and then left.

She’d watched him walk to the kitchen, sit down and start to eat. She’d gone back to the party, served a few drinks and then walked back down the hallway, only to find said guard laughing and flirting with the kitchen staff.

She’d slipped into the office and had considered herself very lucky that the man hadn’t yet returned until she was safely inside. She’d need to come up with an exit plan soon, but she wouldn’t worry about that now. What she needed to do was concentrate on the fact hat her search had been so unsuccessful.

She’d searched every open drawer. She’d even picked the lock on the filing cabinet. And she was an empty handed now as she was when she’d started.

A check of her watch showed she’d been inside the office for an hour and a half. During the past hour she’d watched through the large windows as private transport ships left. The guests who were staying the weekend were probably already in their rooms.

That would mean getting out of here undetected would prove harder to do, but she’d gotten out of tighter spaces. Tomorrow she would search and see if Giles had another office, maybe one closer to his private quarters. Maybe she could find something there that would help her.

In the meantime she needed to face the fact that her mission tonight had been a failure, something she wasn’t used to doing.

“Well fuck me running.”

“Not a very pleasant position for fucking Ms. Lane. Or wait, it’s Ms. Shelton, isn’t it? I’m sorry if I got your name wrong. Forgive me. Of course the name on your work permit says Isadora Smith. So which is it?”

Izzy wheeled toward the voice. Aidan Giles had a boyish grin on his face. He leaned against the doorjamb with his arms crossed in front of his chest.

“We’ll wait on that answer and get back to your original statement. I’ve never tried to fuck a running woman. I wonder if it’s possible. What do you think?”

“I, well…”

“At a loss for words? Surprising. I’ve heard that’s not something that applies to you. I’ve read stories in the press of your exploits and you’ve always had quite a bit to say then.” He looked around the office. “I hope you found everything to your satisfaction. I left all the drawers unlocked but I forgot about the file cabinet. But any detective worth her weight should be able to pick a lock.”

He looked at her questioningly and she grinned.

“It was child’s play.”

His laughter was deep and Izzy felt a shiver run up her spine. Think Izzy think! He could have you arrested for this. The galaxy police could be waiting at a docking point right now.

“I’m sorry you didn’t find what you were looking for.”

Izzy’s heartbeat slowed at his calm tone. Maybe he wouldn’t have her arrested.

“Since you obviously knew I was coming you had time to hide everything.”

“And what would I be hiding?”

Damn, she’d fallen into that one too easily. He was waiting for her to respond, the grin still in place.

A woman’s moan floated down the hallway.

“You having a sex party out there?”

“No, the guests have retired to their own rooms, and they’re all adults. If they choose to play then that’s their business. And if they’re noisy, then that’s their business, too.” He stepped into the room and closed the door before turning to her. “Answer my question, if you please.”

“Very well, I was born with the name Lane but I took Shelton so I could make my own way rather than being the daughter of famous detectives. There, I answered your question.”

He sat down in a chair and Izzy judged the distance to the door. If she could get out she could get away from the room and…and what, Izzy? You’re in space, remember? You can’t run into the nearest building and hide. You’re in a private house. You’re effectively trapped.

“I’m waiting for the answer to the other question. What did you hope to find in here?” His eyes roamed her skimpy waitress outfit and she felt her cheeks heat. This wasn’t good.

“You know.” She crossed her arms over her chest, holding herself tight to try and block his view. That might make her feel more in control of the situation. “Tell me about Crokes II.”

“That outfit fits you perfectly. I love a woman who looks like a woman. You really are very lovely.”

“What can you tell me about the mining project there?”

The blush was increasing. His eyes continued to roam and Izzy felt her chest tighten. By all the stars in the galaxy this man was gorgeous. Long full nose and wide lips. And those beautiful green eyes that were now alight with desire. His grin was playful, almost impish. She tried to refocus on her reasons for being here.

“Do you know that some scientists say that project is causing stars to explode?”

Aidan sat down on the couch and spread his legs out in front of him.

“You want to talk about stars exploding?”

“Yes.” Izzy sat down on the couch near him, hoping he didn’t notice her hands were shaking. It wouldn’t be good for him to figure out he had this effect on her.

She sat a recorder chip on the table.

“Do you run the mining project on Crokes II?” She clasped her hands into fists. “The papers filed on Earth for the project are very vague, but your name does come up on a search for information.”

“My name? Interesting.”

“Care to tell me why?”

He continued to study her, and then he looked at the chip. “Where did you hide that? Your uniform is rather small, and I don’t recall seeing a purse.”

“Please, Mr. Giles, just answer the question.

“Call me Aidan, and I’ll answer all your questions in the morning, if you’re still here, that is.”

Her stomach felt as if it would explode. “Excuse me?”

“You’re in my home under false pretenses, Ms. Shelton. I can turn you over to the authorities. Until then I can hold you in a room. Once I turn you over to them I can charge you with breaking into my office and going through my personal papers. That should earn you some time in a jail cell.”

She was at a loss for words, wondering exactly how she was going to get herself out of this one. Then she remembered what he’d said.

“How can you answer my questions tomorrow morning if I’m in jail?”

“You’re very quick.” His smile was just as impish as it had been. “You have two options Isadora. There is a galaxy patrol that comes by this area every hour. They should be here within fifteen minutes. I can have you hauled off here. I imagine that would be quite embarrassing, both for you and your famous parents, or you can turn over to me all the information you have on Crokes II.”

Her confusion turned to anger. “Why would I do that? And on what planet would you think my turning over my information to you translate into you answering my questions?”

Giles continued to grin, and then he looked at his watch. “You now have…” he looked at his watch. “Twelve minutes until the patrol is in the area. What shall it be, Ms. Shelton? Jail, or information? It’s your choice.”

Shit, shit, shit. Izzy sat back down on the couch. She put the recorder chip back into her blouse and sighed. She didn’t really have a choice, did she? If she didn’t give him the information he wanted she would go to jail, and that was the worst thing that could happen to her. Getting out of jail on Earth would be easy, but up here it would be a huge problem. Desmond would have to come up and sign for her, and he would be mad that she’d blown the job.

She considered her options as the silence grew. She didn’t trust Giles. The man didn’t get to be one of the richest man in the universe by playing things straight. There was always a catch when someone dealt with him.

Was giving over her information the only catch she needed to worry about? Or would he come up with something else, like telling her she had to work for him for free?

“What makes you think I have information on Crokes II?”

“Oh no, Ms Shelton, we’re not playing this game. I know, and you know that I know. So here’s the deal that we can make. You have exactly…” he looked at his watch once again, “eight minutes until the patrol goes by. Should I tell Thomas to have them dock? Or will you work with me?”

When she didn’t answer he stood up, crossing to the desk and hitting a button. A man’s voice said, “Yes, Sir?”

“No!” She stood and hurried across the room. “Wait, I…” She didn’t want to tell him that she’d give him everything but she couldn’t go to jail, either. That would put a huge hole in the investigation and it would probably alert the people involved with Crokes II that she was checking things out, since Giles would tell the cops she was asking questions about the planet and they would tell everyone they knew.

“Before you do something we might both regret, let’s discuss this a little further.”

“Seven minutes.” He pushed the button again. “Thomas, if you don’t hear from me within the next seven minutes contact the patrol and tell them I have a thief in my office.”

“Yes, Sir.” The disembodied voice made her shiver even more than she had been.

“I’m not a thief, and you know it.”

“Do I? You’re wasting time, Ms. Shelton.”

He had her right where he wanted her, she knew. “All right, I’ll share with you. But you have to promise to answer my questions, too.”

“I’ve already told you I would do that.” He pressed the button on the desk. “Thomas, have the patrol officers dock, then offer them some left over food and drink. Tell them I appreciate all they do for us. Tell them they can stay as long as they like.”

The message to Isadora was very clear. You will give me what I want or they will be here to take you in.

“Tell me, Ms. Shelton, about Crokes II.”

“There’s not much to tell, really. I have information from a scientist that proves the explosions were anything but natural. When I did some searches on it your name came up. Several times.”

“So instead of contacting me and asking your questions you decided to crash my party and help yourself to my desk.”

“People lie, Mr. Giles. I have no reason to believe that, if I asked you the questions about Crokes II that you’d tell me the truth. Finding evidence that I could use in questioning would help me.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right.” He moved across the room and sat down on the couch. “We’ll go over things in the morning, at the breakfast table as I said. You and I will eat alone, so the guests won’t hear our topic of conversation.”

“Thank you.” She straightened up and headed toward the door. “I’ll go to the servants’ quarter and find a place to sleep then.”

“Not quite yet, Ms. Shelton.” She stopped with her hand in the air, reaching for the doorknob.

“There is the little matter of punishment for you breaking into my office.”

“Punishment?”

“Yes, punishment. You can’t come in here and search and expect that it wouldn’t upset me.”

“What exactly are you talking about?”

“A spanking. A nice, hard spanking that you’ll still feel tomorrow morning when we’re having breakfast.”

“No fricking way.”

“Oh, I beg to differ. You see you either take the spanking that I’m going to give you, or you go with the patrol when they leave. That’s your choice.”

“How many more times are you going to change the rules?”

“It’s not a change, Isadora, but an addition. The decision is yours as to what happens next.”

“Hardly.” She put her hands on her hips, anger building inside her. “Fine, blackmail your way into spanking me. How hard can it be?”

“Blackmail? You think giving out punishment for breaking and entering is blackmail?”

He was right, she knew. That didn’t mean she had to like it. “Fine, swat my ass and I’ll be gone.”

“Oh no, Ms. Shelton. I’m talking about a good, hard spanking, on your bare ass, with you over my knee. That will, hopefully make you think twice before you go through my private papers again.”

Her palms started to sweat again, but she knew there was no way out of this. She was about to be spanked. But if it got her closer to solving the investigation then she’d take it.

“Fine, I’ll take your spanking. This once.”

The smile he gave her said it all. He’d spank her more than once while she was here. And there was nothing she could do about it.